So while it may look harsh to abandon the youngsters who have got the club to this stage of the Carling Cup, I don't think many would say it is the wrong decision.

The young players have already enjoyed some invaluable experience this season and have given both their manager and the fans a glimpse of what they are capable of.

But what will have been even more to the forefront of Rafa Benitez's mind, is the identity of Liverpool's next Premiership opponents.

The postponement of last Friday's FA Cup tie means the Reds have had eight days without a game now. If the senior players sat out tonight's Carling Cup tie, that would extend to 12 days without a game.

That is far too long to spend on the sidelines ahead of a match against an in-form Manchester United side.

Rafa will be sending out his team with two thoughts in mind. The first and most important aspect is to win the game, and hopefully win it well to give the club one foot in the Carling Cup final.

But secondly, he will also want his players to sharpen up ahead of Saturday's Premiership clash.

United have 24 hours less than Liverpool to prepare, with their semi-final against Chelsea being played tomorrow, but I am sure Sir Alex Ferguson will still send out a strong team.

United have already beaten Liverpool once this season, and everyone hates to see anybody do the double over you, let alone one of your fiercest rivals.

It's an important week for Liverpool, but then you could probably say the same about every week between now and the end of the season.

And Liverpool can get it off to a flying start by taking a significant step towards the Carling Cup final at Anfield tonight.